The Issue: Barriers to Accessing Canada Child Benefits for Newcomers For many newcomer families in Canada, accessing the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a critical step toward achieving financial stability. The CCB provides eligible families with tax-free monthly payments to help cover the costs of raising children. However, many newcomers face significant challenges when trying…
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) Settlement and Integration program hosted its annual FREE Tax Clinic for individuals and families with low income, running from March 3, 2025. To better assist the community, the tax clinic at AHC’s main office in Edmonton will continue until May 16, operating Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:30…
Our Community Initiative (CI) leaders shared their unique and informative perspective on community-building at our first Community of Practice (CoP) mini gathering of 2025, held on April 26, 2025. The energy in the room was uplifting as 11 ethno-cultural CI groups came together for an afternoon of learning, dialogue, and community-building. This quarterly event provided…
They say life is sweeter with chocolates. But what’s even sweeter is making a living by making chocolates. Yereni Ramirez is the heart and hands behind Chocolate Don Marín, an exceptional business deeply rooted in rich tradition, boundless creativity, and unyielding passion. Yereni has been a dedicated participant in our AHC Entrepreneurship Support Programs, diligently…
Last year a newcomer came through our doors at Action for Healthy Communities as a last resort to seek help accessing the Canada Child Benefit for his family. This is the experience the newcomer shared in his own words, how our team were able to assist him and his family to access the benefits after…
Anane Dabala is a member of AHC’s employment team and the designated training liaison between AHC and CLAC Training. In her role, she has seen the impact certifications, often referred to as safety tickets, have had on clients’ the employment team serves. Access to this training at AHC is made possible via a generous grant…
Entrepreneur: Karem Velez Growing up in Mexico, Karem Velez knew from an early age that the world is a very diverse place. Velez also understood that people are equal regardless of their colour, race, and place of origin. It was this understanding that inspired her to start her own company; an organization that aims to…
Jenny Serrato Ardila, Entrepreneur Located in Terwillegar, in the past year Pawies Boutique has grown into a successful business in Edmonton. The company sells hand-made design outfits for pets, ranging from small dogs to rabbits. Owner, founder and designer Jenny Serrato Ardila started the company in 2019, as a way to satisfy her own…
Benaiah says the ECALA funded Entrepreneurial Training Program has been a great experience. Read his testimonial below. “When I attend class, I feel it was designed for me personally. I have learned so much.” As a newcomer from South Sudan 17 years ago, Benaiah felt trapped working many dead ends and tough jobs which left him…
